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Two French Bulldogs

SERVICE: PUPPY CARE

Puppy Care & Vaccinations

All of us at Central Valley Animal Hospital are excited to meet your new puppy and welcome him or her into our family!

The first wellness exam is crucial in establishing the health of your puppy, so it is important to bring your puppy in for an exam as soon as possible. Premature puppies may suffer more from medical issues as their immune system is not fully mature, and may be more susceptible to certain health issues. Puppies that have not had adequate medical care prior to adoption may have pre-existing conditions that need to be addressed. At Central Valley Animal Hospital, our puppy exam will ensure that your new companion will be on his or her way to growing up healthy and strong.

We are your Veterinarian in Poulsbo/Bremerton/Silverdale

YOUR PUPPY’S FIRST VISIT

We ask that you bring the health information provided to you by the seller or shelter on your first visit with us, which should include a previous history of vaccines and deworming, as well as a fresh stool sample. Please bring your puppy on a leash or dog carrier.

At your puppy's first visit with us, we will perform a comprehensive examination and check for internal and external parasites. Puppies will need a series of vaccinations during their first year of life to protect them from many dangerous (but preventable) diseases, and we will develop a vaccination plan specifically for your puppy. We will discuss any questions you may have concerning care for your pet including: diet and nutrition, behavioral issues, integrating the new puppy into your home, and house training.

Your puppy’s first exam will include:
  • A comprehensive physical exam

  • Intestinal parasite screening

  • Intestinal parasite deworming (if necessary)

  • Development of a vaccination program based on your puppy’s lifestyle

  • Heartworm prevention

  • Recommendations for controlling and preventing external parasite such as flea and ticks

  • Behavior and housetraining recommendations

  • Nutritional counseling

Puppy

VACCINES AND YOUR PUPPY

At Central Valley, we believe in designing a personalized vaccine protocol for each puppy to maximize the protection against any diseases your puppy is likely to be exposed to. There are many diseases that are preventable through the judicious use of vaccines, so it is important to vaccinate your puppy against the diseases to which he or she may be exposed.

Puppy at the Vet

SIGNS THAT YOUR PUPPY NEEDS IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION

Please be alert to the following symptoms, which may be signs that your puppy needs immediate care:

  • Respiratory problems: persistent coughing, shortness of breath, labored breathing, shallow breathing, or excessively rapid or slow breathing

  • Signs of pain: panting, labored breathing, increased body temperature, lethargy, hiding, restlessness, loss of appetite, reacting aggressively when touched or approached, crying

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

  • A wound or laceration that's open and bleeding

  • Animal bites

  • Allergic reactions or swelling around the face, hives, or severe itching

  • An eye injury, no matter how mild

  • Seizure, fainting, or collapse, difficulty standing or getting up, blank stare, disorientation

  • Exposure to extreme cold or heat, even if the dog seems to have recovered

  • Trauma such as getting hit by a vehicle or falling, even if the dog does not appear to have been physically harmed

  • Suspected poisoning, including ingestion of antifreeze, rodent, or snail bait

Please contact us immediately if your puppy is experiencing any of these symptoms.

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